The Brazilian Amazon rainforest is reportedly facing severe drought, with 15 municipalities in the Brazilian state of Amazonas under a state of emergency at the end of September and another 40 on alert. It is expected to affect 500,000 people in the region by the end of this year, especially the local population who depend on fishing for their livelihoods.
The civil protection department said that the drought is expected to last longer and be more intense because El Niño weather events have inhibited the formation of rain clouds.
Climate change has exacerbated droughts by making them more frequent, longer and more severe. Rising temperatures increase evaporation, which reduces surface water and dries out soil and vegetation due to lack of moisture.
Moreover, because the main means of transport in the region is waterway transportation, river levels are at historically low levels, resulting in limited transportation.
In response to a prolonged drought, Amazon declared an environmental emergency a month ago and launched a $20 million response plan. At present, the local area is struggling to stock up on basic supplies such as food and water. Authorities will also distribute food and water supplies and personal hygiene items, the state's civil protection agency said in a statement.